Green rules, big dreams: Una’s Bulk Drug Park balances development with ecology

Una Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal on Wednesday assured that all minor and major development works in the district are being carried out in compliance with the regulations of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Pollution Control Board.

Addressing the media regarding the proposed infrastructure developments at the upcoming Bulk Drug Park site in Polian village of Haroli Assembly constituency, he said a conscious effort is being made to strike a balance between rapid development and environmental sustainability.

Highlighting the significance of the project, Lal said two years ago, three Bulk Drug Parks were sanctioned across the country, with one of them being established in Una district. The project involves an investment of Rs 2,000 crore and is expected to generate direct employment for around 10,000 youth.

“The state government and district administration are adopting a proactive, scientific approach to infrastructure development, keeping in view groundwater recharge, pollution control and protection of biodiversity,” the DC stated.

He said nearly 80 per cent of the work related to roads, electricity supply and drinking water facilities has already been completed at the site. He added that current groundwater withdrawal in Una district is only 56 per cent of the total aquifer capacity. To support long-term water sustainability, initiatives such as village pond rejuvenation and construction of rainwater harvesting structures like check dams are being undertaken.

Lal also revealed that a detailed project report has been prepared for a futuristic drinking water scheme with a total storage and distribution capacity of 50 million litres per day, at an estimated cost of Rs 170 crore. Of the 15 proposed deep bore tube wells for the project, 12 have already been installed.

Divisional Forest Officer Sushil Rana, also present during the media interaction, said the Bulk Drug Park covers an area of 568 hectares and has approximately 52,858 standing trees, yielding a density of about 93 trees per hectare. He explained that the area falls under the ‘Open Vegetation Zone’ and is predominantly populated with sheesham, kikar, and khair trees. To mitigate environmental impact, he added, 33 per cent of the park area will be developed as a green belt, and for every tree felled, 10 saplings will be planted in compensation.

Himachal Tribune